USA Luge to host toboggan benefit

February 4, 2013

LAKE PLACID - There will plenty of sliding action coming up at the Toboggan Chute along Mirror Lake on Parkside Drive with the arrival of the fourth annual Adirondack International Toboggan Championships on Friday, Feb 8.

The race is scheduled to run from 6 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public. Particpants will be able to win nearly $3,000 in prizes, including cash, hotel rooms in Lake Placid, Whiteface ski passes and more, according to a press release.

The Adirondack International Toboggan Championship is a benefit for USA Luge, which is responsible for recruiting, developing, training and supporting athletes to represent the U.S. in major international events, including the Olympic Winter Games. The organization has been based in Lake Placid since its' founding in 1979 and is the only Olympic governing body with its senior leadership based in Lake Placid.

Article Photos

Fun times at the toboggan chute in Lake Placid.

Richard Rosentreter/Lake Placid News file photo

"The Adirondack Toboggan Championship is great event for public, locals, members of the USA Luge family and visiting teams from around the world attending World Luge Cup on Feb. 8 and 9," said Dmitry Feld, organizer of the event told the News. "It is also a fundraising event for USA Luge and we are hoping to raise need it funds for the hard-working American luge athletes.

Teams of four will take two runs down the course and the winners will be determined by who glides the farthest on frozen Mirror Lake. Additional prizes will be given for fastest time through the speed trap and, for the first time, the team with the best costumes.

The toboggan chute is dedicated to Gerald F. Cassidy, who led the effort to build the structure in the 1960s.

Fact Box

Entry fees are $10 per person or $40 per sled, with sleds being provided at the event. For more information about the event visit, www.adktobogganchampionship.com.

Entry fees are $10 per person or $40 per sled, with sleds being provided at the event. For more information about the event visit, www.adktobogganchampionship.com.

All proceeds raised by the event will go to USA Luge. Last year, the event raised about $4,000 for the luge association, according to Feld.

"Come, bring your family and friends, have fun sliding down on toboggan shute, meet Luge athletes from around the world, win cool prizes and enjoy Lake Placid outdoors," Feld said.

In case of inclement weather, the competition will take place at the USA Luge indoor start ramps located at 57 Church St., Lake Placid.